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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Macomb County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Macomb County, MI. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.5%-3.5% of assessed value (varies by municipality and school district)
1st Due
Jul 31
2nd Due
Feb 14
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Macomb County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, municipal operations, fire and police protection, libraries, and county infrastructure. Property owners pay taxes to multiple jurisdictions simultaneously - the county, local municipalities, school districts, and special assessment districts - all collected through a unified billing system administered by the county treasurer.

The effective property tax rate in Macomb County typically ranges from 2.5% to 3.5% of assessed value, which is approximately 50% of market value. This rate varies by location within the county based on the specific combination of local millages that apply to each property. Michigan's base state rate is around 1%, but local millages for schools, municipalities, and special districts add significantly to the total tax burden.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Operating Millage4.5-5.2 millsGeneral county services, courts, sheriff
School Operating Millage18-24 millsLocal school district operations
School Debt Millage2-8 millsSchool bonds and capital improvements
Municipal Millage8-15 millsCity/township services, police, fire
Library Millage0.5-2 millsPublic library systems
Parks & Recreation0.5-1.5 millsCounty and local parks
Special Assessments1-5 millsWater/sewer districts, road improvements

Note: 1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. Total rates typically range from 35-60 mills countywide.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Macomb County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jul 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Feb 14
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Macomb County are triggered by significant changes in property ownership or improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. The most common triggers include ownership transfers, new construction completion, additions or major renovations, and changes in property use classification.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they represent the difference between the previous tax liability and the new liability based on current assessed value, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a property sells in October and the new assessed value increases the annual tax from $8,000 to $10,000, the new owner would owe a supplemental bill of approximately $500 (covering the remaining 3 months at the higher rate). These supplemental bills are typically issued within 30-90 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $150,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$18,000 (if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $132,000
  • Tax Rate (40 mills average): 4.0%
  • Annual Tax: $5,280
  • Monthly Escrow: $440

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$18,000 (if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Tax Rate (40 mills average): 4.0%
  • Annual Tax: $11,280
  • Monthly Escrow: $940

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $500,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$18,000 (if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $482,000
  • Tax Rate (40 mills average): 4.0%
  • Annual Tax: $19,280
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,607

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Macomb County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely tax payments. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of the annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. These funds are held in a non-interest bearing account and used to pay taxes when due.

Macomb County issues tax bills in two installments - winter taxes (due February 14) and summer taxes (due September 14). Lenders typically pay both installments on behalf of borrowers. Property owners should verify their escrow payments are sufficient by monitoring their annual escrow analysis statements and checking payment records through the county treasurer's online portal. If you pay your own taxes without escrow, payments can be made online, by mail, or in person through the treasurer's office at https://treasurer.macombgov.org/.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Macomb County? A: Winter taxes are due February 14 without penalty, with a 3% late fee assessed through February 28. Summer taxes are typically due September 14 with similar penalty structures.

Q: How do I apply for the homestead exemption? A: Submit Form 2368 to the assessing office by June 1 of the current year. The property must be your principal residence to qualify for this exemption.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Macomb County conducts assessments annually, though major reassessments of entire areas may occur every few years to ensure values reflect current market conditions.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the assessor's office through https://equalization.macombgov.org/ to file an appeal. Appeals must typically be filed by specific deadlines, usually in March for the current tax year.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: A 3% penalty is added after February 14 for winter taxes. If taxes remain unpaid for an extended period, properties may be subject to tax foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are available through the county treasurer's website at https://treasurer.macombgov.org/ using bank transfers or credit cards (fees may apply).

Q: What if I disagree with my tax bill amount? A: First verify the calculation with the assessor's office. If the assessed value is incorrect, file an assessment appeal. If millage rates are disputed, contact the relevant taxing authorities.

Q: Do senior citizens qualify for any tax reductions? A: Michigan offers various senior exemptions and deferrals. Check with the assessor's office at https://equalization.macombgov.org/ for specific programs and eligibility requirements in Macomb County.

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